Nebraska offers federal and state benefits for people with Tourette Syndrome, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, Nebraska Total Care, and Disabled Persons and Family Support. Eligibility and assistance levels depend on medical diagnosis, functional impact, and financial need.
Federal eligibility for Tourette Syndrome depends on proving your condition severely limits work or daily activities for at least 12 months (or is expected to result in death)[1]. For SSDI, you must have earned enough work credits through past employment, and your current income must be below the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) level ($1,620/month in 2025 for non-blind applicants)[1][3]. SSI is a needs-based program open to those with limited income and resources—no work history required, but income and assets must be very low[2]. For both, a doctor must document your condition, and your symptoms must be severe enough to interfere with basic work tasks[1][2].
Nebraska supplements federal disability programs with state-administered resources. Medicaid, including Nebraska Total Care, provides health coverage and is available if you qualify for SSI or meet income guidelines[2]. Through the Aid to the Aged, Blind, or Disabled (AABD) program, Nebraska offers cash and medical assistance to those denied SSI because their disability is expected to last less than 12 months[4]. The Disabled Persons and Family Support (DPFS) program helps Nebraskans of all ages with severe, chronic disabilities, like Tourette Syndrome, supporting up to $400/month for services that promote independence or employment[6]. Eligibility for these state programs requires medical documentation and, in most cases, a determination of financial need. State reviews consider the functional impact of your condition, not just the diagnosis, so detailed records from your doctors are essential[4][6].
Start by gathering your medical records and proof of income.
1. Confirm Diagnosis and Gather Documentation
Collect medical records, physician statements, and any school or work evaluations that describe how Tourette Syndrome limits your activities.
2. Apply for Federal Benefits
3. Apply for Nebraska Medicaid
4. Explore State Programs
5. Follow Up and Maintain Your Case
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides monthly cash benefits to individuals who have worked and paid into Social Security, now disabled by a condition like Tourette Syndrome that prevents Substantial Gainful Activity[1][3]. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) offers financial support to disabled individuals with limited income and resources, regardless of work history[2]. Medicaid, often automatic with SSI, covers health care expenses. Medicare becomes available after receiving SSDI for 24 months. Federal rules apply nationwide, and you can use work incentives to test employment without losing benefits right away[3].
Nebraska Medicaid (including Nebraska Total Care) provides health coverage to eligible residents. If you qualify for SSI, you are often automatically enrolled[2]. Aid to the Aged, Blind, or Disabled (AABD) is a state-funded program that offers cash and medical assistance to those who don’t qualify for SSI, especially if the disability is expected to last less than 12 months[4]. Disabled Persons and Family Support (DPFS) is unique to Nebraska—it provides up to $400 per month to help people with severe, chronic disabilities remain independent or employed. DPFS can pay for services like home modifications, personal care, or essential household items[6]. Nebraska also participates in Medicaid waivers (HCBS), which can fund home- and community-based services. To access these, apply through ACCESSNebraska or your local DHHS office. State programs require medical proof of your disability and, in most cases, proof of financial need.
Nebraska ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without affecting SSI or Medicaid eligibility. Earnings grow tax-free, and funds can pay for qualified disability expenses. Learn more in our ABLE Accounts guide.
SSI income limits are strict—in 2025, most individuals can earn up to $967/month from SSI, but other income and resources (like cash, bank accounts, and property) also count[2]. SSDI is not strictly income-based, but working and earning over $1,620/month (non-blind) could affect eligibility[1][3]. State programs like AABD and DPFS have their own income and asset rules—check directly with DHHS for current limits[4][6].
Always report changes in income, living situation, family size, or medical condition to Social Security and Nebraska DHHS. Failing to report can lead to overpayments, which you may have to repay. For tips, see our guide on Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes.
Gather all medical records, school evaluations, and work history documents. These are critical for proving how Tourette Syndrome affects your daily life and ability to work. The more evidence you provide, the stronger your case.
Even if you don’t qualify for SSI/SSDI, Nebraska’s AABD and DPFS programs may help with cash, medical coverage, and services to support independence and employment. Don’t assume federal denial means no help—check state options.
Yes, if your Tourette Syndrome is severe enough to limit your ability to work or perform daily activities for at least 12 months, you may qualify for SSI, SSDI, or Nebraska state programs. Medical documentation is required[1][2][6].
SSI is a needs-based program for people with limited income and resources; SSDI is for those who have worked and paid into Social Security. Both require a severe, long-term disability, but SSDI also needs enough work credits[1][2]. Learn more in [SSI vs SSDI](/guides/ssi-ssdi).
Yes, through work incentives like the Trial Work Period and Extended Period of Eligibility. You can test your ability to work for 9 months without losing SSDI benefits, but earnings over $1,620/month (2025) may affect eligibility after that[3]. See [SSI & SSDI Work Incentives](/guides/work-incentives).
If you get SSI, you’re often automatically enrolled in Nebraska Medicaid (Nebraska Total Care). Otherwise, apply through ACCESSNebraska or your local DHHS office[2].
Nebraska offers AABD for cash and medical help if you’re denied SSI, and DPFS for services up to $400/month to support independence or employment. Both require medical proof and, usually, proof of financial need[4][6].
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
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In 2025, the maximum federal SSI payment is $967/month for an individual, but actual amounts depend on your income, living situation, and other benefits[2].
You must report medical improvements to Social Security and Nebraska DHHS. They may review your case, and benefits could be reduced or stopped if you no longer meet the disability criteria[3].
Children may qualify for SSI, Medicaid, and DPFS if their condition severely limits activities. School evaluations and medical records are important for proving eligibility[2][6].
Yes, you have the right to appeal. Follow the instructions in your denial letter, and consider getting help from a disability advocate or legal aid organization.
Nebraska Total Care, local DHHS offices, and the Social Security Administration can assist with applications and answer questions[2][4][6].
